A nurse is caring for a client who has hypovolemic shock. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?

Choice A reason: Bradypnea, or slow respiratory rate, is not typical in hypovolemic shock. The body compensates for reduced blood volume by increasing respiratory rate (tachypnea) to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues. This compensates for decreased oxygen-carrying capacity due to blood loss. Bradypnea would indicate a failure of compensatory mechanisms, which is not characteristic of hypovolemic shock’s early stages. Choice B reason: Hypotension is an expected finding in hypovolemic shock due to decreased blood volume, reducing cardiac output and systemic perfusion pressure. The body activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and tachycardia to compensate, but blood pressure remains low. This reflects inadequate circulating volume, leading to impaired tissue perfusion and potential organ dysfunction if untreated. Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not typical in hypovolemic shock. The body responds to low blood volume with tachycardia to maintain cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Bradycardia may occur in late, decompensated shock due to severe hypoxia or myocardial depression, but it is not an expected finding in earlier stages, where sympathetic activation predominates. Choice D reason: Increased urine output is not expected in hypovolemic shock. The kidneys respond to reduced blood volume by decreasing urine production through activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which promotes sodium and water retention. Oliguria (low urine output) is typical, as the body conserves fluid to restore intravascular volume and maintain blood pressure.